Exploring New Places

Take the path less travelled. Some of your best images are waiting to be found in places you wouldn’t expect.

A fundamental purpose of photography is to show people something they might not ordinarily get to see. An experience, a moment in time, a place… Sometimes the most ordinary of places can be hoarding something special. And then, only if you have your camera with you.

After walking up and down Melbourne’s laneways, I noticed an entrance to an arcade that I vaguely recognised. It was the Nicholas Building on Swanston Street. Now, if I were a more “on trend” photographer, I would say that I had been there before to visit the Retrostar Vintage Clothes store – but I am not. I recalled it from a visit with my wife to Buttonmania… A button shop.

Following my feet through the building, nothing really presented. But then the doors of a seemingly ancient elevator creaked open to reveal the interior, complete with an operator inside. There is simply no way I could have planned the shot. It just happened because I had taken a new path.

Being decisive in taking your opportunities is also necessary. I quickly checked with the operator, and he agreed to pose – he was a little bit “meh” about the whole thing, but I got the shot.

The shot below was taken as the Circus was packing up near my house.

I had driven past the carnies packing everything up on the way home from work. As soon as I walked in the door, I grabbed a camera and headed down on foot. I tried to keep out of the way, but at the same time get into position. Pretty sure I was not actually supposed to be there, but I just kept out of the way and kept shooting.

It’s not one of my best shots – I kinda wish I had stayed a bit longer now…

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2 Responses to “Exploring New Places”

great. I love the lift! my partner and I were talking about a travel article she read last night saying the same thing. People go for the “trendy” places or destination and miss the real stuff going on. The example in that article was the water pumping station in I forget exactly where right now lol. good point to remember! (not the pumping station necessarily lol)